Tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Mounjaro, is currently one of the most effective weight loss medications available in the UK. But new medications are in development that could offer similar benefits without injections.
One of them is orforglipron, a daily pill that's shown promising results in clinical trials. So, which works better for weight loss? Read on to find out.
Key Takeaways
- Orforglipron is a daily GLP-1 pill in clinical trials, expected around 2026
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a weekly injection targeting both GLP-1 and GIP
- After 72 weeks, tirzepatide achieved 22.5% weight loss vs 12.4% for orforglipron
- Both have similar digestive side effects, though orforglipron may cause fewer
- Tirzepatide is available now in the UK; orforglipron is not yet approved
Orforglipron vs tirzepatide: What’s the difference?
What is orforglipron?
Orforglipron is a daily weight loss pill that's still in clinical trials. It's being developed as an alternative to injectable weight loss medications.
What is tirzepatide (Mounjaro)?
Mounjaro is a weight loss injection that’s taken once per week. It’s the most effective weight loss medicine available in the UK right now.
Do orforglipron and tirzepatide work differently?
Yes, they work differently. Orforglipron works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a natural hunger hormone. This curbs your appetite and makes you feel full, so you eat less.
Mounjaro does that, too. But it also activates another hormone, GIP, which enhances insulin release. This dual action makes Mounjaro more effective.
Orforglipron vs tirzepatide: weight loss results
Here’s what the research says:
- In the ATTAIN-1 trial, people on highest dose of orforglipron for 72 weeks lost 12.4% of their starting weight on average
- After 72 weeks on the highest dose of Mounjaro, the average loss was 22.5% in the the SURMOUNT-1 trial
Side effects and safety
Orforglipron and Mounjaro side effects are similar. Common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
However, research suggests that orforglipron may bring on fewer gut-related side effects than Mounjaro weight loss injections.
Side effects support at Voy
"If you're using Voy and you experience any side effects, rest assured that our expert clinicians are just a message or phone call away. They can adjust your dose, prescribe medication to ease your symptoms, or simply offer reassurance.
Everyone responds differently to weight loss treatment and we'll help you find what feels right for you."
Dosing
For both medicines, you start on the lowest dose and gradually increase every four weeks, if you are tolerating it well. This helps your body adjust and reduces the risk of side effects.
- Orforglipron doses used in clinical trials: 1mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 24mg, 36mg
- Mounjaro doses are: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg
Although orforglipron is taken daily, some people may find a pill more convenient than a weekly injection.
Cost and UK availability
We don't know how much orforglipron will cost yet, as it hasn't been approved. However, tablets are generally cheaper to manufacture, so it may be priced lower than injectable medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy weight loss injections.
Tirzepatide is available on the NHS if you meet certain criteria. You can also get it via private prescription. Prices vary between providers, typically ranging from £150-350 per month.
Which is better for weight loss?
Talking purely about results, tirzepatide is more effective. But that doesn’t mean it’s best for you personally.
At Voy, our clinicians recommend weight loss medications based on your individual health and medical history. We offer Saxenda, Wegovy, Mounjaro and orlistat weight loss pills.
We’ll also work with you to transform your lifestyle, so the weight stays off for good. Take our quiz to see if you’re eligible.
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